There were no job announcements or commitments to invest in the Border counties from the 16 US companies visiting the area yesterday but several are expected to consider investing in Ireland.

The US Secretary of Commerce, Mr William Daley, who lead the delegation, said that it had not come with any "false hopes" of job announcements. But he insisted that many of the companies were highly impressed by the potential opportunities for investment in the Border area. "These business people came here on a business mission, not a mission of mercy, and when they are deciding where they may invest, they can be convinced there is no better place to use as a platform to Europe than Ireland."

In a joint press conference yesterday, the Tanaiste, Ms Harney, indicated she would have good news on the jobs front for the border counties shortly. IDA Ireland is close to securing a major jobs boost for the area, she said. Discussions are at an advanced stage and a formal announcement is expected within the next couple of months.

The delegation is the first to visit Ireland since the signing of the Belfast Agreement. Almost 400 jobs were announced in the North during its visits to Belfast and Derry on Monday and Tuesday.

Ms Harney said the agreement had greatly enhanced the potential for inward investment, particularly for areas which have been disadvantaged after years of conflict.

Mr Daley said the agreement would provide a stable investment environment that would help to encourage US companies, which were previously reluctant to consider investing in Ireland, to assess the opportunities here.

"Many of these businesses joining me on this mission operate internationally and have seen countries and regions grow economically following political change. They have seen this in China, in South Africa and Eastern Europe and in the Soviet Union. Clearly they see business opportunities in Northern Ireland and the border counties."